Global Executive MBA virtual teams develop business plans

In an experience unlike any offered by other business schools, Carlson School Executive MBA students from around the world join together online to work on virtual team projects.

Groups of students from Austria, China, Poland, and the U.S. spend several months developing business plans for introducing new products to the global marketplace. When they present the plans at the Carlson School, most meet face-to-face at the beginning of that week for the first time.

"The project reminded me of how much I need to know about what is happening outside of the United States and how little time I spend learning about other countries," said Kurt Svendsen, a Carlson Executive MBA student who worked with his team to create a business model for a luxury spa in China.

Other plans included developing an English school network in China, bringing premium tequila into the U.S., and introducing a Nike-style shoe company in China.

With four Executive MBA programs that run simultaneously, including the local Minneapolis-based program and three global programs, the Carlson School is in a unique position to offer this rare opportunity. In addition to providing international project experience, it gives students a chance to build a network and plan a global business.

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